26.2

Two years ago to the date I ran my first and only marathon – the Chicago Marathon. The training was grueling to say the least but the actual race was an unforgettable experience. If you’ve ever thought about running a marathon know that if I can do you – you can definitely do it! After the marathon I knew I wanted to remember everything so I wrote a very long journal entry about it. Below are excerpts about the race details.

October 12, 2008
CC, Amy, Emily, and I left our hotel around 5:45 AM and took a cab to the starting area. We got to the World Vision tent around 6:10 and waited nervously for others to get there. We met a few other people also running to support World Vision. The overall feeling in the tent was a combination of apprehension and excitement. The World Vision staff took a group picture around 7:15 and then sent everyone to the starting corral in their pacing groups.

Once we were in the start area the excitement increased, again we met some new people running with World Vision. Over the loudspeaker they announced 5 minutes till the start and played the national anthem. Then they announced when the race actually started since we were so far back we couldn’t tell the gun had gone off. Everyone started cheering. We didn’t start moving for another 5 minutes or so and then we started slowly walking with the mass of people. As we could see the start line in the distance I was overcome with emotion. I had to hold back tears as I crossed the start line around 8:20 and through the first 3 miles. There were so many people running and so many spectators cheering.

Since we had our names on the front of our jerseys we heard our names about every 2 minutes. It was incredible, the feeling of excitement and accomplishment just to be there. There were lots of signs, several of them clever and funny. As we continued through the race it was hard to slow down to our normal pace because there were so many people cheering the entire course.

It was also great to have my family there cheering me on. I am so blessed to have a family that supports me whatever I decide to do. I love that they were able to experience this with me and that they care for me so well. My mom made signs that said “Go Cameo Court girls!” I also loved watching other people see their family and friends – their supporters would get so excited to see them and the runners would instantly smile as well.

As the heat intensified the last 7-8 miles were really tough for me. The sun felt like it was beating down and I just wanted to get to the finish but at the same time in a weird way, I didn’t want the experience to end. I made the several turns through the last mile and finally saw the finish line. I couldn’t believe I made it, especially without an injury! I heard my dad yell my name from the stands and waved to my family as I picked up the pace to run without ceasing toward the finish line. What an incredible experience. What a joy and relief to finish. As soon as I was done I made it through the crowds and back to the World Vision tent to be greeted by my family!

I loved the experience, I am so thankful to God that He allowed me to have it, that He kept me injury free, and that He revealed more of Himself to me through this experience.